ingenious
in-JEEN-yuss
/ɪnˈdʒiː.ni.əs/
Clever, original, and inventive (of a person, machine, or idea).
Specifically describes inventive, creative problem-solving and clever mechanics or designs.
The story behind the word. Latin 'ingenium' described the inborn nature, spark, or genius inside a person. Over time, 'ingenious' came to designate the clever products created when that innate creative spark is turned toward solving tough problems.
Word relationships
- inventive: Inventive emphasizes creating new gadgets or concepts, while ingenious emphasizes the clever elegance of the solution.
- resourceful: Resourceful stresses finding clever uses for available materials, whereas ingenious stresses original design brilliance.
- unimaginative: Lacking creativity or original ideas.
- clumsy: Lacking skill or elegance in design.
Commonly confused with
- ingenuous: Ingenuous means innocent and unsophisticated; ingenious means brilliant and inventive.
Word family
- ingeniously (adverb): In an ingenious manner.
- ingenuity (noun): The quality of being clever, original, and inventive.
Collocations
- ingenious device
- ingenious solution
- ingenious design
- ingenious method
Idioms & expressions
- stroke of genius
Example sentences
- "Engineers devised an ingenious solar-powered filtration system that delivers clean water to remote mountain villages." Engineering innovation
- "The mystery novel features an ingenious locked-room puzzle that baffles detectives until the final chapter." Literature plot design
Memory hook
An INGENIOUS person creates a GENIUS invention. IN-GENIUS = Inside talent spawning clever ideas.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'ingenuous' (naive or innocent).
Fun facts
- Notice that the noun form of 'ingenious' is 'ingenuity', NOT 'ingeniousness'! Language learners often get tripped up by this spelling shift.
Related words
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